ARNOLD - Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, based in
Arnold, is hosting its third annual silent auction and holiday party
from noon to 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. The Jing Ying Institute is located at
1195 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., No. 6, just a stone's throw from
Chesapeake Academy.

Owner Billy Greer said they planned their first silent auction
for December 2004, with the goal of raising money for some new equipment
at Jing Ying.

"When the tsunami disaster hit in South Asia that month, we felt
the need to do something to help," he said.

He quickly discovered his students had the same desire to help
but were unsure what to do.

"So, we decided to get the entire school and local community
involved in raising funds. Our experience with that first fundraiser
revealed that many students had hidden talents, hobbies, or home
businesses that other students enjoyed learning about."

This year's fund-raiser will raise money for the Severna Park
Assistance Network -
www.SPANhelps.org. SPAN provides financial assistance, food and
referral services to those in crisis in Severna Park and surrounding
communities.

The Silent Auction beckons with intriguing hand-made projects by
students including origami animals, Ukrainian eggs, jewelry, ale,
clothing, food, pottery and other crafts.

Other students donated items from their jobs, such as cologne,
Bluetooth headsets, games, books, and gift certificates. Businesses have
donated items such as audio recordings, books, gift certificates, museum
passes, acupuncture treatments, artwork and private lessons.

The holiday party will be preceded by the institute's monthly
test at 11 a.m., which will include demonstrations by students and
instructors.

Admission is free and the public is welcome. "But we would
appreciate donations of canned food items or cash donations for SPAN,"
Mr. Greer said.

For more information, contact him at 410-431-5200, or e-mail
info@jingying.org.